Officials fear mumps epidemic in South Wales

Following the measles outbreak, health officials are now concerned about a mumps epidemic after university students were diagnosed with the condition.

11:29 11 May 2013

Following the measles outbreak (that was linked to children not getting an MMR jab when they were younger) public health officials are now growing concerned about a mumps epidemic. This comes after students at Cardiff University were infected with the disease.

Public health officials in Wales have confirmed increasing number of students affected with a mumps infection. Mumps can cause deafness and in rare circumstances, it can lead to meningitis.

In Cardiff and Cardiff University, students were advised to get the MMR vaccine as soon as possible. Although the officials are unable to provide exact numbers of affected students, it was confirmed that the measles infection was not restricted to university students. 

 

A spokesman for the public health authority has urged students to get their vaccine as soon as possible.

 

The statement read, as quoted by the Daily Mail: "We want to encourage everyone who is eligible for the vaccine, including students, to come forward.”

 

Adding: "Students should get the vaccine as a matter of urgency and those in doubt should receive the MMR again as a precaution."